Friday, June 6, 2014

No Gains, No Grains - Traveling While Eating Paleo



A group of Primal/Paleo/Grain Free women who blog about their experiences/life/benefits without grains. A great way for others (who may be wanting to lose weight, reverse an acute/chronic health trend, and/or transition from commercial weight loss programs) to read about real life women who are living the life and succeeding.

This month's topic is about traveling while eating Paleo. Now this is a bit of a tricky topic for me because the truth is, I haven't vacationed since I was in Williamsburg, VA. And if you've been following my blog for a while, you know that what went down in Williamsburg back in July 2011 was the catalyst for my weight loss and transition into the Paleo lifestyle.  If only I knew then what I know now...but I'll not go there. It's always better to look forward. 

Since Williamsburg (and the "too big to fit on rides in Busch Gardens" incident), I have not been on a family vacation. I did go on a camping trip for a few days the first summer I was on the low carb, low fat, low sodium, high protein diet. But that was easily controlled because I brought all my food with me. Last summer was my first summer on Paleo. We did a staycation. Lots of day trips and an overnight with friends here and there.

I have been following the Paleo lifestyle for 15 months now. What I do and do not eat has become in-grained in my mind and it's a no brainer now. But even going to restaurants while on a staycation takes a bit of planning. We go to Niagara Falls a few times a year. It's 45 minutes from where I live and Julien's favorite place on earth. I prefer to eat at either buffets (lots of selection with meat, salad bar and fresh fruit), or someplace they serve a half chicken meal. That may sound strange, buy protein is my main staple and the more protein I eat, the better. So if I can get a half chicken with a side of veggies, I'm happy because it will keep me fuller longer.

This summer we plan on doing a road trip down to Bishop Hill, Illinois. I am hoping to run a race with my running mentor Carol at the end of July. Carol knows that I'm Paleo and that I follow a fairly restrictive diet. Staying with Carol shouldn't be a problem, but neither should travelling to and from our destination. While eating out, I order the meal that will get me the most meat and I sub any grain or white potato with vegetables and sweet potato, if it's available.  If sweet potato's not available, I get all veggies. I always strive to eat the biggest portion of allowed foods I can just because it satisfies me more. I'm less interested in what it is versus how big a serving it is.

I imagine a vacation to a resort in the south would be a dream vacation for me. I used to do those holidays a lot when I was in my 20's and I recall they had awesome buffets. My easiest dining experience to navigate. Maybe when Julien is a bit older, we'll venture down south. But in the meantime, we'll stay in north America. I feel as though I have a lot of confidence being Paleo. Eating away from home never makes me anxious. It used to when I first began my lifestyle change, but I really know what I'm doing now. Makes a huge difference in my quality of life because even though others may balk at my diet restrictions, I embrace them. I am living a life I never dreamed possible and it's because I have changed my lifestyle to one that is manageable and sustainable for life.

Now go and read about my blogging buddies who have vacationed more than me. This makes me very jealous;-) They will offer much more insight than I have provided here. Because they have much more exciting lives than I do:-)

Against the Grain
For Life
Garden Girl



         Williamsburg July 20, 2011                        Toronto June 2, 2014